Noob TLC Questions

**Nick B** · 10-03-2009, 05:45 PM

This question is from a long time Jeeper . What was the first year Toyota went with the IFS in the LC ?
Also are the models with the IFS any good for light to moderate off roading ?
Moderate as in exploring off the beatin path, not Moab or the Rubicon .
I ask because in my town there's a ton of stock 6-9 year old LC's running around town and I'm seeing them starting to pop up for sale .
TIA, Nick

**Rallyroo** · 10-03-2009, 08:00 PM

The 100-series Land Cruiser that came out for the model year 1998 was the beginning of IFS.

**alexrex20** · 10-03-2009, 08:19 PM

IFS or not, it's still a land cruiser, if you get what i'm saying...

**SAR_Squid79** · 10-03-2009, 08:21 PM

Yep - 1998 was the 1st year of IFS in the Land Cruisers, and they make great Off-Road platforms.

Check these out:
http://www.sleeoffroad.com/newbie/newbieUZJ100.htm
http://www.expeditionportal.com/foru...ad.php?t=32756

**brentbba** · 10-03-2009, 08:21 PM

100 series in 1998 was the first year with IFS and a V8. Light to moderate would be a walk in the park. It is a LandCruiser!

**d0ubledown** · 10-03-2009, 08:56 PM

yep. 98...and i think the earlier years had a rear elocker option...

**Cypher** · 10-07-2009, 02:36 PM

From my research, yes I am in the market as well, you may want to stick with a 2000 or newer model. The 98-99 100 series have a 2 pinion gear front diff which is a little weak. The 2000+ have a 4 pinion which is significantly stronger. for the 98-99, a rear locker was an option and not on the 2000+. However, the 2000+ have the TRAC system standard and Vehicle Stability Control (VSC), which are both worth their weight in gold. There are lots of good deals out there right now. Good luck!

**dclee** · 10-07-2009, 05:43 PM

If you omit the light duty Land Cruisers (which I do), then yep, 1998 was the year. I do agree on the assessment to go 2000 or later. You can always add ARB air lockers to both axles to make up for losing the rear factory e-locker, but you cannot (very easily) add all that electronic traction aid goodness to an earlier truck.

**ShottsCruisers** · 10-07-2009, 09:50 PM

1998-2007 Cruisers are quite Moab-capable. They are Rubicon-capable though barely because of their large size. I'd run the Jeep through there. Everywhere else (almost) you are well prepared and with extreme reliability.

http://shottscruisers.smugmug.com/Fo...6_ehofQ/Medium

(With my current suspension setup I'd a not even lifted/bounced my rear wheel)

For only light to moderate...I cannot imagine a better vehicle ever made for that purpose (except the 2008+ Cruiser if you stop at light-to-medium moderate. For moderate+ the 100-Series wins out).

**ginericLC** · 10-08-2009, 01:50 AM

Originally Posted by Cypher

From my research, yes I am in the market as well, you may want to stick with a 2000 or newer model. The 98-99 100 series have a 2 pinion gear front diff which is a little weak. The 2000+ have a 4 pinion which is significantly stronger. for the 98-99, a rear locker was an option and not on the 2000+. However, the 2000+ have the TRAC system standard and Vehicle Stability Control (VSC), which are both worth their weight in gold. There are lots of good deals out there right now. Good luck!

Actually it doesn't really matter on the front diff. Even the 2000+ break. Replacing it with an ARB in the front gets rid of that problem though. I would also skip 2000 and go right to 2001 due to a tranny problem in the 2000s. And if I could afford it I'd start looking at 2003s to get the 5speed tranny, that is worth quite a bit more $ in my opinion.

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